Crow Control

[RogueTrooper 0]

The farm I shoot over grows legumes, squashes and the like and the crows are actively pulling plants from the fields at such a rate as to be untrue. All of which must be replaced by hand and delays the total cropping.

The farmer has resorted to gas guns, a human scare crow, the usual dead-uns upside down etc, but these buggers are persistant. And now the farmer has covered the entire field with cover mesh as all the above have had little real effect adn the cost balance has enabled the mesh to become realistic

 

Im used to shooting rabbits as my pest of choice, pigeons on ocasion but I'd like to help out by 'decoying' or such these crows down and within range and shooting them off. But as we all know they are cunning and inteligent and therefore not easily fooled or at least not fooled twice.

 

Ideas coming to mind.. Larson traps.. and pegged out dead bait ..

 

What really works and would bring them regularly into range of a long shot 22lr or 17hmr ??

 

 

I'll try it out tonight if you're quick enough !!

[Yokel Matt 918]

Shooting crows with a .17 HMR is very good fun - tends to blow chunks off them

 

If numbers are very heavy a ladder trap may be worthwhile investing in and are deadly effective

 

edited to say i've shot crows over decoys quite a few times to good effect

Edited July 13, 2009 by Local

[peeps_76 17]

staying hidden is very important they have great eyesight. they will come to decoys and a crow call can be helpfull after you have mastered hoe to use it.

as metioned a ladder trap could be leathal here to!

 

good luck.

[Bobba_fett 117]

a little owl on a fence post or a white ferret pegged down will bring them in to mob it.

 

or an electronic crow call? for taking close up photos of course...

[Outofnowhere 93]

Visit the Crowbusters website.

[bignoel 14]

have you tried a rotary and a few deeks get the pattern right and they will keep you busy especialy this years young branchers .atb noel

[Catcher 1 639]

Hi mate.I use the ectronic crow call.Find most days works a tread.put out a few crow decoys and the odd magpie.Place it near a tree were you can make a good hide.they will come into the tree to have a look.If you get it right you can pick them off all day.Beware they catch on quick.So dont use it in the same place offten.atb. Catcher 1

 

The remote will work to about 50 yards

[salukiwhippet 6]

Hi mate.I use the ectronic crow call.Find most days works a tread.put out a few crow decoys and the odd magpie.Place it near a tree were you can make a good hide.they will come into the tree to have a look.If you get it right you can pick them off all day.Beware they catch on quick.So dont use it in the same place offten.atb. Catcher 1

 

The remote will work to about 50 yards

 

 

Of Course, you only use it to attract them and to observe/photograph them, as using an recording to attract birds to shoot is illegal

 

As for the OP, I would give a ladder trap some thought. Are they carrions or rooks?

 

James

[Catcher 1 639]

Hi mate.I use the ectronic crow call.Find most days works a tread.put out a few crow decoys and the odd magpie.Place it near a tree were you can make a good hide.they will come into the tree to have a look.If you get it right you can pick them off all day.Beware they catch on quick.So dont use it in the same place offten.atb. Catcher 1

 

The remote will work to about 50 yards

 

 

Of Course, you only use it to attract them and to observe/photograph them, as using an recording to attract birds to shoot is illegal

 

As for the OP, I would give a ladder trap some thought. Are they carrions or rooks?

 

James

 

Hi mate you may be thinking off using live birds.That is illegal.As a lot of the crow are classed as pest.atb. Catcher 1

[salukiwhippet 6]

Fraid not chap:

 

http://www.basc.org.uk//en/departments/gam...ing-seasons.cfm

 

Prohibited Methods of Taking/Killing Wildlife (Including Game)

 

Please note additional legislation applies to deer, further information is available from the BASC Deer Department on 01244 573047

 

It is illegal to use certain methods for killing or taking wildlife. Unless stated the following offences, which are subject to prosecution, apply to both birds and animals:

 

 

* The use of any automatic or semi-automatic weapon against any bird except the Bird Pest Species and some mammals. "Automatic weapon" and "semi-automatic weapon" includes any weapon the magazine of which is capable of holding more than two rounds.

* The use of any form of artificial lighting, mirror or other dazzling device (see BASC Lamping Code of Practice for exemptions).

* The use of any mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of wildlife for the purpose of killing or taking.

* The use of any self-locking snare.

* The use of any bow or crossbow or explosive other than ammunition for a firearm (or shotgun).

* The use of any live animal or bird as a decoy which is tethered or which is secured by means of braces or other similar appliances, or which is blind, maimed or injured.

* The use of shotgun where the barrel has an internal diameter, at the muzzle, of more than 1¾ inches (Birds only).

* The use of any device for illuminating a target (see BASC Lamping Code of Practice for exemptions).

* The use of any sound recording to act as a decoy (Birds only).

 

Just noticed you're in Scotland, things may be different there, apologies if so. Rather depends where the OP is though!

 

James

[Catcher 1 639]

Fraid not chap:

 

http://www.basc.org.uk//en/departments/gam...ing-seasons.cfm

 

Prohibited Methods of Taking/Killing Wildlife (Including Game)

 

Please note additional legislation applies to deer, further information is available from the BASC Deer Department on 01244 573047

 

It is illegal to use certain methods for killing or taking wildlife. Unless stated the following offences, which are subject to prosecution, apply to both birds and animals:

 

 

* The use of any automatic or semi-automatic weapon against any bird except the Bird Pest Species and some mammals. "Automatic weapon" and "semi-automatic weapon" includes any weapon the magazine of which is capable of holding more than two rounds.

* The use of any form of artificial lighting, mirror or other dazzling device (see BASC Lamping Code of Practice for exemptions).

* The use of any mechanically propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of wildlife for the purpose of killing or taking.

* The use of any self-locking snare.

* The use of any bow or crossbow or explosive other than ammunition for a firearm (or shotgun).

* The use of any live animal or bird as a decoy which is tethered or which is secured by means of braces or other similar appliances, or which is blind, maimed or injured.

* The use of shotgun where the barrel has an internal diameter, at the muzzle, of more than 1¾ inches (Birds only).

* The use of any device for illuminating a target (see BASC Lamping Code of Practice for exemptions).

* The use of any sound recording to act as a decoy (Birds only).

 

Just noticed you're in Scotland, things may be different there, apologies if so. Rather depends where the OP is though!

 

James

 

 

Fair play mate when your right your right.But i will be looking for a legal loop hole all week lol.atb. Catcher 1